CONTACT

[interior]

Comments

[pharmacy]

[ A beat, the sure silence of Quentin trying to walk back about a dozen different assumptions about what Takeshi is trying to say and focus on just--just what he's said. ]

...Okay. If they escalate at all. Okay? Promise.

[interior]

[Simple, ready agreement:]

If they escalate at all.

[pharmacy]

...Thank you.

Be--be careful with him. Stephen. I know he doesn't need it, but he's only human. He bleeds if you cut him.

[interior]

That's all any of us are, Quentin.

[pharmacy]

The way you talked to him is a great way to talk to a dog, or to someone whose feelings you don't give a fuck about, but.

I'm asking you to be nice.

[interior]

Did he get this lecture?

[pharmacy]

Would it make a difference, or are you asking so you can gotcha me like this is a competition and not literally me trying to talk to you like a friend?

[interior]

It'd help me determine if you've realised why I'm pissed off or not.

[pharmacy]

My best educated guess is that you're pissed because you think he and I, as a pair and as individuals, are discounting your expertise. How close am I?

[interior]

Pretty fucking close for someone who wants to talk to me like a friend.

[pharmacy]

You'd call me out if you thought I was making a mistake, wouldn't you?

[interior]

I know how to pick my battles.

[pharmacy]

Yes or no, don't be cute about the question. That's exactly how you get people assuming what you mean, which--unless I'm forgetting--you fucking hate.

[interior]

The direct and deliberate implication being that no, Quentin, I don't always call you out when I think you're making a mistake.

[pharmacy]

Great, thanks for playing by the rules you expect from everyone else. Let's try another one: what would it take for you to call me out?

[interior]

Why don't we try this one, instead: what result are you expecting to get out of this, exactly?

[pharmacy]

Takeshi! Answer my question! Treat me like a person, not like another fucking fight! What circumstances would make you call me out? When would you need to do it?

[interior]

I prepare mitigation for those circumstances. It's a more productive use of my time, given how you've made it very clear your mistakes aren't open to review.

[pharmacy]

[ He had not even considered that possibility, and the insult of it rushes up so fast that Quentin almost forgets the point he was working towards. The connection is quiet for a moment while he sputters in real space, trying to refocus. In retaliation, the point comes out more petulant that he wanted it to: ] 

Well I'm sorry, I can't weirdly sneak around preparing mitigation, but when there's a chance your judgment is compromised by an unknown disease, I'm not going to say nothing. I'm not picking battles, I'll always fight if my friends are in danger. 

[interior]

Does my judgement seem compromised?

[pharmacy]

It sounds like you and Junpei have the same thing. His judgment is compromised as hell. So, yeah.

[interior]

[There is a cold, sharp beat of silence.]

If this unknown disease leaves me with the same mental capabilities as a teenager, I'll revisit your advice.

In the meantime, you can get the fuck out of my head.

[Line cut, door closed.]